Sign-ups for Secret Santa begin Nov. 21

The Secret Santa organization is gearing up for what is expected to be a very busy Christmas season.

"Last year we gave out toys to about 1,800 kids in Guernsey County," said Secret Santa volunteer John Davis. And this year more requests are expected.

"Please remember if you are served by any other organization we will not be able to serve you as the community wants to help as many families as possible," Davis said.

"We can only serve as many kids as the community allows us to," he said. "We're dependent on the generosity of the people of Guernsey County."

The program holds a number of fundraisers each year to raise money to purchase toys including boot drives in Cambridge and Byesville, scheduled for Nov. 18 and Dec. 9, and glass donation houses placed in area businesses.

Anyone who wishes to donate toys to the program may drop them off at Secret Santa headquarters, 323 Steubenville Ave. (across from Townsend Glass); monetary donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 304, Cambridge, OH 43725.

Registration of area children will begin on Monday, Nov. 21. Do not call to register a child before that time as the Secret Santa hotline will not be ready until then. The number will be 439-0934. The number listed in the telephone book is incorrect.

"Please help and do not call if you are already being served," Davis said.

To set up a fundraiser or volunteer for the Secret Santa program, call David White, 260-2620; Mike Jeffery, 801-0014; John Davis, 255-0063; or Marilyn White, 260-6685.